Buying Herbs

Avoid Leggy Plants

These may be cheap, but leggy stems are indicative of overcrowing and poor light. Avoid them unless you have the time and patience to nurse them back to health.

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Size of Plants

Plugs
These are very small plants and are a useful way of growing large numbers of identical plants. Often sold by mail order, they need to grow on before being planted out (Image 1).

Pot Size
Price and pot size are closely related, but a large plant can be harder to establish and needs care over periods of drought. Smaller plants may need transplanting (Image 2).

Large Mixed Plantings
These are a useful way of getting an instantly harvestable selection of herbs. They need regular trimming and dividing or replanting after a season or two (Image 3).